Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) has hired Huang Xiaoguang as its new China CEO.

Joining from Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofAml), where for the last four years he served as president of Bank of America China, Huang’s responsibilities will include capturing trade and investment flows throughout Greater China when he begins the role in January 2015.

He served as co-head of global corporate and investment banking for BofAml China, and has also held senior roles at ABN Amro and Citi throughout a 22-year career in finance.

Huang will report directly to international banking CEO at ANZ, Farhan Faruqui.

“Xiaoguang has an impressive track record in building and leading institutional banks in China and has the right credentials to help drive greater connectivity within Greater China, where trade and investment flows are already substantial and growing,” says Faruqui.

Commenting on the appointment, ANZ’s international and institutional banking CEO, Andrew Géczy, says: “Xiaoguang’s international experience will benefit our customers doing business across Asia Pacific.”

“The appointment of a career banker of Xiaoguang’s calibre is another example of the progress we have made in building a strong franchise.”

Chief risk officer at ANZ China and acting CEO, Hong Swee Lau, will continue in the role until January.